Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea 

Here are some tips for brewing the perfect cup of tea from loose leaves:

Start with fresh, cold water
It's important to understand that cold water contains more oxygen, and oxygen is a key part of the process of releasing the tea's flavour.  Never use hot tap water.

If possible use filtered water, bottled spring water or sweet well water for the best results. 

Measure the Right Amount of Dry Leaves
In general, use one level teaspoon of dry leaves for each 8-ounce cup of water.

Steeping Black Teas and Herbal Teas
Black tea and herbal tea can be infused with boiling water. 

Black Teas can be steeped for anywhere between 2 ½ to 5 minutes, depending on your taste. 

Herbal infusions, including Rooibos and Fruit teas should be steeped a minimum of 5 minutes up to several hours.  

Steeping Green, White and Oolong Tea
Green Tea should be steeped for 2 minutes or less in water temperature of 190 F. 

However, Green, White and Oolong teas are high in antioxidants as well as other wellness properties.  In order to access those properties to the fullest extent a longer steeping time at a lower water temperature is recommended:­      

-- Bring the water to a boil then pour into the tea cup or tea pot­     
-- Let the water cool for up to 2 minutes before adding the tea leaves­     
--  Steep the leaves for 8-10 minutes.

Green and White tea leaves can be re-infused two or three times.  Oolong tea leaves can be re-infused up to 7 or 8 times.

Storing Tea
Air and light are two factors that breakdown the beautiful aroma and freshness of tea leaves. Therefore, ideally, tea should be stored in an airtight container that won't let in light.

Refrigerating or freezing tea is not recommended.